“If it was the last time…”
Tennis star Nadal gets very emotional when he says goodbye
May 1, 2024, 9:17 a.m
Rafael Nadal’s farewell tour ends early again. The Spanish tennis star still sees the appearances in Madrid as positive. After the defeat against the Czech Jiri Lehecka, Nadal gives an emotional farewell interview on the court.
The Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal said an emotional farewell to the fans after his round of 16 exit at the ATP Masters in Madrid. “I’m happy. It was a very special week for me,” said the 37-year-old on the pitch after the 5:7, 4:6 against Czech Jiri Lehecka, 15 years his junior: “I was able to hold on Saying goodbye to the place, one of the most emotional places for me, was at times more important to me than a Grand Slam.”
It will be a difficult day when the farewell comes, “but it’s the reality. My body and my life have been sending me signals for some time,” admitted Nadal. “I don’t know if it was the last time I played in Spain, it’s very likely.” He hadn’t asked himself this question before, but “if it was the last time I played in my country, it’s a great memory.”
It’s now “over here in Madrid, but my journey with the racket in my hand is not over yet,” emphasized the 22-time Grand Slam winner: “Maybe it’s not time yet for all the emotions to let out what I have inside me.” The Spaniard said he was leaving Madrid with “a lot of energy” and fewer doubts than before. However, when asked about the French Open in Paris (from May 26th), he left his participation open. “I’m not sure about anything. I don’t know what can happen.” He could say more details after the tournament in Rome (from May 8th), where he hopes to take part.
“I want to go there, play well, be competitive and I will continue to work hard so that that is the case,” emphasized Nadal: “Today was a moving, unforgettable day, but my career continues. I have personal ones in the next few weeks goals and want to see if I have a chance of achieving them.” In addition to the Olympic Games in Paris, appearing at the Grand Slam tournament at the same venue from the end of May is one of Nadal’s main goals this year. The Spaniard has won 14 times at Roland Garros so far. On his farewell tour, the clay court specialist is repeatedly stopped by physical problems.